Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025

Charter schools, driven by a neoliberal agenda that prioritizes privatization and competition, have led to instability and harm, as they often close abruptly, leaving students and educators scrambling. This agenda, which treats education as a commodity rather than a public good, diverts resources from public schools, undermining their quality and accessibility. To ensure equitable and … Continue reading Hundreds of Charter Schools Will Fail, Close, and Abandon Thousands of Families in 2025

School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025

As New York’s 2025 legislative session begins, a major topic of discussion is how to update the state’s school funding formula, which currently allocates $24.9 billion to districts, including over $9.5 billion for New York City. NeQuan McLean, president of the New York City’s District 16 Community Education Council, is raising alarms about potential cuts … Continue reading School funding, cellphone ban, class size, Trump: Education issues Albany could tackle in 2025

Ten child care policy priorities for New York in 2025

Zakiyah Shaakir-Ansari, Co-Executive Director of the AQE, urges New York state leaders to prioritize substantial investments in child care, highlighting the need for increased funding and fair compensation for workers. Without bold action, the state risks perpetuating inequities that harm vulnerable children and families, undermining their future success. Read the full article.

Child Care Bill Vetoes Show Governor’s Words Are Empty

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 16, 2024) – In response to Governor Hochul’s blatant disregard for the needs of New York’s working families by vetoing the Decoupling and Ending the Minimum Earnings Requirement bills, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “Governor Hochul clearly showed that she is no child care … Continue reading Child Care Bill Vetoes Show Governor’s Words Are Empty

Hochul Signs Bills Aimed to Improve Access to Resources for Young Families

Governor Kathy Hochul signed new legislation to expand resources for parents in New York, including requirements for diaper ingredient labeling, improved access to child care funding (the Presumptive Eligibility bill, with amendments), and insurance coverage for dyslexia exams. The laws aim to address costs and provide additional support for new parents. Read the full article.

In Support of the New York State Board of Regents’ Proposal to Increase Foundation Aid Funding by $1.6 Billion

NEW YORK, N.Y. (December 9, 2024) – In response to the New York State Board of Regents’ recommendation to increase Foundation Aid funding by $1.6 billion for the upcoming school year, public education advocacy organization the Alliance for Quality Education released the following statement: “We commend the New York State Board of Regents under the leadership … Continue reading In Support of the New York State Board of Regents’ Proposal to Increase Foundation Aid Funding by $1.6 Billion

Rockefeller Institute report urges ‘significant change’ to Foundation Aid formula

The Rockefeller Institute of Government’s report, released Monday, December 2, recommends updating New York’s Foundation Aid formula to better reflect current student needs and regional costs. AQE appreciated many of the proposals, noting alignment with efforts to address educational disparities, while emphasizing the need for the state to fully fund schools. Notable Rockefeller recommendations include … Continue reading Rockefeller Institute report urges ‘significant change’ to Foundation Aid formula